Senior Conservator, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project

We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim museum is a place for experiencing and storytelling about great art.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and is a museum of modern and contemporary art with a mission to contribute to and stimulate expansive perspectives on the history of art. Presenting an international collection with a specific focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA), Guggenheim Abu Dhabi fosters a deeper understanding of how different local, regional, and international forces have shaped the interconnected histories and cultures of our time.

Summary Of Position

The Senior Conservator, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, supports conservation and collection care priorities for the new Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museum, currently under construction on Saadiyat Island in the United Arab Emirates. Based alongside a dedicated team in New York, the Senior Conservator works collaboratively with teams in Abu Dhabi and New York in curatorial, registration, exhibition management, exhibition design, and operations to help realize the inaugural program for the museum opening. In addition, the conservator supports an ambitious commissions program, provides due diligence for new acquisitions, and will provide ongoing support for loans and special exhibitions following the opening of the new museum.

Skill And Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years post-graduate conservation experience working in museums.
• Proven project management experience, including planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Management of contractors and/or staff.
• Ability to liaise with architects and engineers. Understanding of building facilities and climate parameters in art museums.
• Knowledge of collection databases and documentation methodologies.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and handling of multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and confident in exercising independent judgment and taking initiative.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong background in modern and contemporary art conservation a plus.
• Specialization in objects conservation preferred, including experience with large-scale installations.
• Demonstrated intercultural experience and familiarity with the broad MENA and/or Gulf region a plus.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaboration with colleagues at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, on collection display, art storage, climate monitoring, research and analysis, and preservation needs.
• Attend or lead meetings to support the building and inaugural programs.
• Recommend and liaise with contract conservators to assess new acquisitions.
• Oversee one direct report and manage additional contractors, as needed.
• Support conservation priorities for annual plans, quarterly reports, staffing, timelines, and budgets.
• Liaise with Conservation Department staff at the Guggenheim New York.
• Based on area of specialty, examine, document, analyze, and occasionally treat works in the Guggenheim New York collection, adhering to the highest standards and in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Provide support on Guggenheim Abu Dhabi commissions, specifically on conservation documentation, artist interviews, and material recommendations, samples, and testing.
• Oversee installations and act as a courier, where necessary, for the inaugural program or future loans.
• Travel regularly to Abu Dhabi.
• Work in collaboration with Abu Dhabi colleagues to encourage the exchange of knowledge.
  
  

Work Demands & Environment

• Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties upon request.
• Ability to travel globally as required to perform the above duties.
• Flexibility to attend early morning meetings given the time zone differences between New York, Abu Dhabi, and numerous global stakeholders.
• Occasional work may be conducted outdoors, with exposure to varied weather conditions.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays on occasion.
• Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
  
  

Education

• MA in Art Conservation
  
  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: n/a

REPORTS TO: Director, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project and Chief Conservator, Guggenheim New York

LOCATION: Midtown West, NY and One Liberty Plaza, New York, NY 10006

WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid eligible, and hours vary based on position

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $125,000 - $145,000 annually

The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.

Department: Conservation

This is a full-time position